MAST BOLTS
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSEA.NAVSEA WARFARE CENTER.NUWC DIV NEWPORT · Response deadline: Tue, 20 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport is procuring mast bolts—specialized fasteners used in naval mast assemblies. Mast bolts are critical structural components that secure mast systems, which support antennas, sensors, and communications equipment aboard naval vessels. These bolts must typically withstand harsh maritime conditions including saltwater corrosion, vibration, and extreme temperature variations.
Under NAICS 332722 (Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing), this work falls within the broader precision hardware manufacturing sector. Given NUWC Newport's role in undersea warfare and submarine research, these bolts likely adhere to stringent military specifications (MIL-SPEC) for material composition, tensile strength, and dimensional tolerance.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N6660426Q0492 |
| NAICS | 332722 — Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | No Set aside used |
| Response deadline | October 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET |
| Place of performance | Newport, RI |
Who can bid
Any qualified business may bid—this opportunity is open to all responsible sources with no small business set-aside applied. Small businesses compete on equal footing with large manufacturers.
To bid, a firm must:
- Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) with active registration
- Have or obtain a CAGE code
- Meet any applicable manufacturing standards for fasteners, which may include ISO 9001, AS9100, or specific NAVSEA technical requirements
- Demonstrate capability to produce to military specifications (see the solicitation for applicable spec numbers)
Small businesses with precision machining, cold heading, or specialized bolt manufacturing capabilities should evaluate whether their equipment and quality systems can meet potential First Article Testing or source inspection requirements common in Navy hardware buys.
How to put together a competitive bid
For an unrestricted NAVSEA hardware procurement, focus on these elements:
Technical compliance: Mast bolts for naval use typically require specific materials (stainless steel, Inconel, or other corrosion-resistant alloys), precise threading, and proof load testing. See the solicitation for the exact specification—likely a NAVSEA drawing number or MIL-DTL reference. Submit a detailed compliance matrix mapping your product to every requirement.
Quality certifications: If you hold ISO 9001, AS9100, or NADCAP accreditation for fasteners, highlight these. Navy contracting officers heavily weight demonstrated quality systems for safety-critical hardware.
Past performance: Reference comparable deliveries to DOD or marine/shipbuilding customers. Include contract numbers, points of contact, and any CPARS ratings. Lack of Navy-specific experience is not disqualifying but must be offset by relevant commercial or other federal work.
Pricing strategy: With no set-aside, expect competition from established defense suppliers. Price aggressively but sustainably—hardware procurements often award to lowest technically acceptable offer. Analyze your material costs and labor carefully; titanium or super-alloy stock can fluctuate significantly.
Delivery and packaging: Military shipping requirements (MIL-STD-2073) may apply. Confirm your ability to deliver to Newport, RI, and whether Preservation, Packaging, Packing and Marking (PPP&M) specifications are invoked.
First Article requirements: Be prepared for possible FAIR (First Article Inspection Report) submission before full production. Budget time and cost accordingly.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation immediately on SAM.gov using solicitation number N6660426Q0492
- Review all attached drawings, specifications, and clauses—this notice type combines synopsis and solicitation, so the full document package should be available
- Note the October 20, 2026, 11:00 AM ET deadline—only four days from posting, requiring rapid response
- Verify your SAM.gov registration is current and matches your bid entity exactly
- Contact the contracting office through SAM.gov if specifications are unclear; do not assume requirements based on typical mast bolt procurements
View the official notice on SAM.gov →